The race for the 98th Academy Awards has officially begun, and the nominations have delivered a historic shake-up. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has shattered all-time records with a staggering 16 nominations, the most for any single film in Oscar history.
With the ceremony set for March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien, movie fans are racing to catch up on the frontrunners.
Here are the five must-watch nominees to watch
1. Sinners (HBO Max / Apple TV+ / Prime Video)
The Record-Breaker: A supernatural thriller set in the Jim Crow-era South, starring Michael B. Jordan in a career-defining dual role as twin brothers.
Why watch: It surpassed Titanic and La La Land to become the most-nominated film ever. It is a visual masterclass in gothic horror and social commentary.
2. One Battle After Another (HBO Max)
The Heavy Hitter: Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this political thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio as an aging revolutionary.
Trailing closely with 13 nominations, it is the primary challenger to Sinners for Best Picture and Best Director.
3. Frankenstein (Netflix)
The Visual Marvel: Guillermo del Toro finally brings his dream project to life with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.
With 9 nominations, it is being hailed as “visually ravishing,” dominating the technical categories including Production Design and Makeup.
4. F1 (Apple TV+)
The Crowd-Pleaser: Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver in this high-octane sports drama that surprised critics by clinching a Best Picture nod.
Produced by Lewis Hamilton, the film’s use of real racing footage has made it a frontrunner for Best Sound and Visual Effects.
5. Bugonia
The Wild Card: A sci-fi satire from Yorgos Lanthimos, featuring his frequent collaborator Emma Stone (who just made history as the youngest woman with seven career nominations).
The Plwo conspiracy theorists kidnap a CEO they believe is an alien. It’s the “must-see” film for those who love unconventional storytelling.
